HydrationYou probably already know that drinking plenty of water is important for many bodily functions, but you may not realize how important it is for optimal brain health and function.

Water is required in order for your neurons to transmit their chemical signals. Water also keeps your brain “cool” – a dehydrated brain can overheat, causing a decline in cognitive function and even damage.

Dehydration may impair long-term memory recall and the function of your short-term memory. It may also make it difficult to focus and reduce your ability to perform cognitive tasks such as arithmetic.

Tip: Don’t wait until you are thirsty before you pick up that glass of water. By the time you feel thirsty, you might have lost up to 2% of your body weight from water loss, resulting in a whopping 10% decline in your cognitive function.

RelaxationAnxiety can speed the onset of dementia in an aged care setting. A deliberate daily deep relaxation program including yoga, meditation, massage, or just deep breathing can help to keep the mind relaxed and functioning optimally.

Seek out DVDs, online programs, community classes, or elderly care centre courses in yoga, meditation and mindfulness to incorporate these practices into your routine.

Use It or Lose It – Brain ExercisesJust like you exercise your body, you also need to exercise your brain. The “use it or lose it” expression definitely applies to brain function.

When our minds are active and challenged, our neurons keep connecting with each other and transmitting signals through our brain. Not using your mind in a challenging way results in fewer brain chemicals being produced, and the erosion of the connections in our brain.